Pulsars, the Chicago-based duo of brothers Dave and Harry Trumfio, have made a triumphant return with the long-awaited digital release of their self-titled debut album, PULSARS, set for November 15th. After more than two decades, fans are finally able to revisit the nostalgic yet innovative sounds that made the band a cult favourite in the late 90s. This announcement, paired with the release of the first three tracks bundled into the single Trilogy, marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band, one that revisits unfinished business with a renewed sense of purpose.
Originally released in 1997, PULSARS was met with widespread critical acclaim. Rolling Stone even named Pulsars one of the "40 Greatest One-Album Wonders," an ironic accolade for a band whose sound was brimming with potential that never fully materialized—until now. Their sudden halt in momentum was a result of industry upheaval, as their label Almo Sounds faced distribution issues after merging with Geffen Records, effectively shelving what could have been a genre-defining career.
As Ira Robbins of Trouser Press famously wrote, PULSARS felt like “a science fair version of Pet Sounds for the computer age.” This sentiment still holds true, as the album’s intricate arrangements and digital flourishes lend it a timeless quality. The band's ability to convey both emotional vulnerability and sonic experimentation was ahead of its time and remains one of the album’s most defining qualities.
With this digital release, Pulsars are finally receiving the recognition they deserve for creating one of the most singular musical accomplishments of the 90s. Their return feels like the closing of a long-open chapter, and PULSARS stands as a testament to their enduring influence on the alt-rock and synth-pop landscape. Fans old and new will relish the chance to rediscover an album that still sounds as fresh and exciting as it did more than two decades ago.